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Eco Lifestyle And Home News – August 2018

Dear Friends, Clients, Business Associates and Neighbors,

August 2018 marks the twentieth edition of Eco Lifestyle and Home Newsletter produced by Kachina Mountain Realty. We offer Real Estate & Lifestyle news in the email newsletter covering Santa Fe, Taos Ski Valley, Taos County and beyond.

In this edition, we offer the following:

Lifestyle: Mindfulness

Real Estate Market Update

Money Matters

Santa Fe Real Estate News

Taos County Real Estate News

Home Decor Insights

Aeowyn’s Dog Treats

Calendar of Event Links for Santa Fe, Taos Ski Valley, Taos County & all around New Mexico

Entertainment Links for Santa Fe, Taos County & around New Mexico

Lifestyle

Mindfulness

“Mindfulness means paying attention in a particular way; On purpose, in the present moment, and nonjudgmentally.” ~ Jon Kabat-Zinn’s

Meditation practices are tools for training the mind. Mindfulness is the intentional, accepting and non-judgmental focus of one’s attention on the emotions, thoughts and sensations occurring in the present moment. Mindfulness helps one develop a greater clarity of awareness.

Mindfulness training has roots in Buddhist meditation, however a secular practice of mindfulness has entered the American mainstream & business environments in recent years. Thousands of studies have documented the physical and mental health benefits of mindfulness, inspiring countless programs to adapt the mindfulness training model for schools, prisons, hospitals, veterans’ centers, and more recently corporations.

Studies have shown that practicing mindfulness, even for just a few weeks, can bring a variety of physical, psychological, and social benefits.

I was exposed to mindfulness meditation in the 1980’s before & after the Spirit Rock Meditation Retreat Center was built in Marin County, California. During the next 15 years I attended meditation silent retreats at Spirit Rock Center from weekends to up to month long retreats. I experienced the mindfulness meditation as a training that helps me respond to situations instead of just react to them. In essence meditation, as I experience it, increases the length of ones “fuse”, giving me more time to think, respond more appropriately, than just an immediate reaction. When I can respond with clear thinking, the results are often much more helpful and insightful. Mindfulness training works, in part, by helping me to accept my experiences, including painful emotions, rather than react to them with aversion and avoidance.

When one cultivates mindfulness and compassion, it will lead to better understanding and decisions. 15 minutes of mindfulness meditation every day can change your life for the better. Give it a try for a month and feel the difference! Consider mindfulness meditation as a 15 minute spa treatment for your soul.

Real Estate Market Update

“…The U.S. housing market — particularly in cutthroat areas like Seattle, Silicon Valley and Austin, Texas — appears to be headed for the broadest slowdown in years. Buyers are getting squeezed by rising mortgage rates and by prices climbing about twice as fast as incomes, and there’s only so far they can stretch…”

“This could be the very beginning of a turning point,” said Robert Shiller, a Nobel Prize-winning economist who is famed for warning of the dot-com and housing bubbles, in an interview. He stressed that he isn’t ready to make that call yet…”

“…Existing-home sales dropped in June for a third straight month. Purchases of new homes are at their slowest pace in eight months. Inventory, which plunged for years, has begun to grow again as buyers move to the sidelines, sapping the fuel for surging home values. Prices for existing homes climbed 6.4 percent in May, the smallest year-over-year gain since early 2017, and have gained the least over three months since 2012, according to the Federal Housing Finance Agency. Shares of PulteGroup Inc. fell as much as 4.9 percent Thursday morning after the national homebuilder reported that orders had declined 1 percent from a year earlier, blaming rising mortgage rates…”

“…Homeownership still remains out of reach for many Americans, especially for first-time and younger buyers. For existing homes, the median price climbed in June to a record $276,900, while properties typically stayed on the market for 26 days, unchanged from the prior three months, according to the National Association of Realtors…”

Where we are headed is anyone’s guess. I do know that in Santa Fe, I have experienced multiple offers, offers over asking & a shortage of quality homes at affordable prices ($250,000-$350,000). It is still a sellers market with low inventory in which to select a home. ~ Dianne

Money Matters

Next Recession in 2020? What Will Be the Impact?
By Francis Phillips

Economists and analysts know that the country has experienced economic growth for almost a decade. They also know that a recession can’t be too far off. A recent report by Zillow Research shed light on a survey conducted by Pulsenomics in which they asked economists, investment strategists and market analysts how they felt about the current housing market. That report revealed the possible timing of the next recession:

“Experts largely expect the next recession to begin in 2020.”

That timing concurs with a recent survey of economists by the Wall Street Journal:

“The economic expansion that began in mid-2009 and already ranks as the second-longest in American history most likely will end in 2020 as the Federal Reserve raises interest rates to cool off an overheating economy, according to forecasters surveyed.”

Here is a graph comparing the opinions of those surveyed by both the Wall Street Journal and Pulsenomics:

Recession DOES NOT Equal Housing Crisis

According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, a recession is defined as follows:

“A period of temporary economic decline during which trade and industrial activity are reduced, generally identified by a fall in GDP in two successive quarters.”

A recession means the economy has slowed down markedly. It does not mean we are experiencing another housing crisis. Obviously, the housing crash of 2008 caused the last recession. However, during the previous five recessions home values appreciated.

According to the experts surveyed by Pulsenomics, the top three probable triggers for the next recession are:

Monetary policy
Trade policy
A stock market correction

A housing market correction was ranked ninth in probability. Those same experts also projected that home values would continue to appreciate in 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022.

Others agree that housing will not be impacted like it was a decade ago.

Santa Fe Real Estate News

Aldea Lots
According to the real estate pundits, the coming wave of residential sales in 2018, is in view lots with new construction. To prepare for this wave, it is a good time to buy a lot in anticipation of the real estate surge. There are very few and far between quality view lots for sale on the west side of Santa Fe and these the best!

Currently, I have 7 of the last and best remaining Aldea view lots. 2 lots have already SOLD!!! If you have ever considered building your Santa Fe dream home, now you have some amazing view lots in which to choose. Aldea is 98% built out and up until now, there have not been a lot of choices for view lots, as most have already been built on. Now you have a great selection of view lots in which to choose to build your dream home, before they are all gone! Prices will go up in Spring 2018, so buy now and save!

Location Map of the Aldea Lots

7 Aldea Lot For Sale – Price Adjustment on All Lots!!!

The Barranca Lots: 3 Amazing View Lots!

Considered the prime location with one of the 4 best remaining lots now all available for sale. Come build your dream home with coveted panoramic views to the Sandias & Ortiz to the south, with west Jemez mountain sunset views and east sunrise views of the Sangre de Christo mountains. Lot #454 is the highest lot of the 4 lots and has incredible 180°+ views. These 4 contiguous lots have the most prized views in all of Aldea. Builder package available for all 3 lots: Lots #454, #455, #456, & #457, please inquire.

Considered the prime location with one of the 4 best remaining lots now all available for sale. Lot #455 captures views that will delight with 180° views. Come build your dream home with coveted views to the Sandias & Ortiz to the south, with west Jemez mountain sunset views and east sunrise views of the Sangre de Christo mountains. These 4 contiguous lots have the most prized views in all of Aldea. Builder package available for all 3 lots: Lots #454, #455, #456, & #457, please inquire.

Considered the prime location with one of the 4 best remaining lots now all available for sale. Lot #456 has incredible 180° views. Come build your dream home with coveted views to the Sandias & Ortiz to the south, with west Jemez mountain sunset views and east sunrise views of the Sangre de Christo mountains. These 3 contiguous lots have the most prized views in all of Aldea. Builder package available for all 3 lots: Lots #454, #455, #456, & #457, please inquire.

Avenida Frijoles 2 View Lots

Peaceful setting from this amazing elevated view lot with south views to the Ortiz & Sandia Mountains across open space and green belt with arroyo sunset views. Lot #378, 134 Avenida Frijolles is on the south of the 2 lots, and lot #377, 136 Avenida Frijoles is also for sale.

Aldea Stats

2018 Stats: Sold, Pending, Listed

Aldea de Santa Fe consists of 345 acres, with 205 acres of perpetual open space with 13 miles of walking trails, basketball & tennis courts, community center, (which offers yoga classes, exercise equipment & gathering space for events), a local cafe, superbly located in the high-value northwest corridor of Santa Fe County, with easy access to Highway 599, all just 10 minutes from downtown Santa Fe.

Las Campanas Real Estate News

2018 Stats: Sold, Pending, Listed.

Las Campanas is the only luxury master-planned community in Santa Fe. Stretching across 4,700 acres surrounded by pristine high desert, the community is comprised of exclusive neighborhoods. Las Campanas is also home to The Club at Las Campanas, where members can enjoy two award-winning Jack Nicklaus Signature golf courses, the 46,000 square foot Hacienda Clubhouse, a peerless Equestrian Center and the Fitness & Tennis Center, which includes a luxurious spa.

There are currently 50 homes for sale in Las Campanas.

18 Homes under $1,000,000

32 Homes over $1,000,000

There are currently 64 Lots for sale in Las Campanas.

28 Lots under $100,000

36 Lots over $100,000

Black Mesa

Las Campanas recently announced the release of the first new custom home neighborhood in over 10 years! Black Mesa, is their new 44 acre neighborhood consisting of 25 larger, estate sized mountain and golf view properties. The minimum size home in this section will be 2,500 sqft, with lots ranging from 1.02-2.58 acres. The property contains a centerline crest that rolls down in both directions off the roadway, creating dramatic unobstructed views.

Overlooking the sweeping mountain vistas of the Sangre de Cristo and Jemez Mountains, Las Campanas’ new Black Mesa neighborhood offers a unique collection of homesites boasting the largest lot sizes in the best section of the Las Campanas property with awe-inspiring mountain views and centrally located to their finest amenities: golfing and the Hacienda Clubhouse.

Let me take you on a tour and arrange a stay at Las Campanas!

$1,000 Gift Card Offer

When you choose me to be your Real Estate Agent/ REALTOR®, I will give you a $1,000 Gift Card to the place of your choosing upon successful closing of your Las Campanas Developer Homesite in Las Campanas in 2018*.

A gift card allows my buyers to use it for the purchase of goods or services. It is a thank you from me to you, for trusting me with the most important transaction: the closing of a Developer Homesite in Las Campanas.

*Offer cannot be combined with any other offers

*Offer does not apply to past transactions

*Offer not valid or assignable to third-parties

Pulte Homes in Las Campanas

Pulte Homes has just announced the opening of their new development in Las Campanas. There are 4 designs, 3-5 bedrooms, 2.5-4.5 bathrooms, 2-4 garages, 2,669 sqft- 3,936 sqft, starting at $619,900+ to $714,990.

$500 Gift Card Offer

When you choose me to be your Real Estate Agent/ REALTOR®, I will give you a $500 Gift Card to the place of your choosing upon successful closing of your Pulte home in Las Campanas in 2018.*

A gift card allows my buyers to use it for the purchase of goods or services. It is a thank you from me to you, for trusting me with the most important transaction: the successful search, negotiation and the buying of your new Pulte home in Las Campanas in 2018.

*Offer cannot be combined with any other offers

*Offer does not apply to past transactions

*Offer not valid or assignable to third-parties

Marketing Properties, Not Just Listing Properties

If you are thinking of selling your property, why not list it with a realtor who will market the property, not just list it in the MLS? By actively marketing your property, the property gets the most exposure to other realtors and to the general public through online blogging, email campaigns & the typical MLS exposure.

Call me, Dianne, 505.603.9300, to discuss your property needs, or for a tour of Lots & Homes in Aldea, Las Campanas and the Santa Fe region.

The main dwelling is a charming 1,574 sq.ft. single story territorial style home with 18” thick walls and traces its history to about 100+ years old. Well maintained and lovingly remodeled with modern conveniences, this property possess the following features: city water & sewer, natural gas, granite countertops, stacked washer/dryer, thermopane windows, multiple skylights, forced air heat, gas–log Jøtul stove for additional comfort and ambiance. Diamond plaster walls throughout, with nichos, vigas /wood ceilings, Saltillo tile, wood plank & stone floors, custom arched wood doors, antique style lighting fixtures, and eat-in country kitchen where culinary delights will create memorable experiences.

Southwest ambiance abounds as you dine al fresco in the 563 sq.ft. 15’ deep recessed portal (covered patio with skylight) adjacent to a water feature “stream” with the seasonal sound of a flowing acequia, setting the mood in this peaceful oasis, complete with mature landscaping in a serene natural garden setting. Separate fenced outdoor spaces include an additional south facing portal with yard, a north side portal at the entrance of the home, and an east side yard with a storage shed, useful for gardening or recreational equipment and is included. There are plenty of possibilities to customize this landscape by adding a greenhouse, small orchard, vegetable/flower garden, children’s play area or simply enjoy the graciousness of this very adaptable bucolic setting.

The delightful 450 sq.ft. casita is located over part of the main home with its own private exterior stair access with a pleasant 218 sq.ft. viewing deck overlooking the treetops and the lovely Ranchos pastures, where you can peacefully enjoy a glass of wine as the sun sets or a cup of coffee as the sun rises. Rent the self-contained romantic attic apartment casita or use as a personal guest space or office/studio. Amenities include: covered parking, gas-log heat stove, wood plank floors, cozy kitchen, stacked washer/dryer, large skylights, new porcelain fixtures, a sit-in tub with shower, wainscoting and plenty of charm.

This enclave is a perfect investment opportunity for full time or vacation living, excellent location for vacation rental or investment property rental. Several of the rooms in the main house open to the portals with exterior doors and would make an excellent home office or art studio. Ample parking is provided for residents and their guests. Live in one, rent the other or use as a home office, guest house or art studio, the options are flexible and endless! Property has a great rental history.

This quiet neighborhood compound is conveniently located within walking distance to Ranchos de Taos historic district, close with shops, restaurants and is rich in history. Just 4 miles north to the town of Taos, there are more restaurants, shops, galleries, museums, 15 minutes to Taos Pueblo, 25 minutes to Taos Ski Valley, 5 minutes to the Taos country club & golf course, 15 minutes to the Gorge on back roads, this enclave is also convenient to traveling south to Santa Fe & beyond.
View lots of photos: visit the property»

If you have been thinking about selling your home, now is probably a good time. Inventory is low and the demand for quality homes is up.

Recently, I have received inquiries from out of town buyers who are researching homes in the Taos area. These buyer profiles are looking to live in a safe community, with a country atmosphere, small homes, with flexible spaces. They are wanting to move to the area, but can’t find the properties that offer amenities that don’t include huge HOA fees. They want walking trails, localized eateries, a small grocery store, community activities and a sense of neighborhood. The are either downsizing their home and retiring or wanting a second home. They are wanting to go smaller, but the quality of their lifestyle and home features are upscale. “Does such a community even exist?” they ask. In the coming months, I will be featuring such a community.

Aeowyn’s Dog Treats

Aeowyn is the inspiration for this dog treat recipe book. Her enthusiasm and her keen intense interest while we cook, has greatly encouraged our recipe development. While she loves to watch us cook, she prefers to taste test everything. We have confined her taste testing to vegetables, fruits and dog treats. She prefers not to share her treats or her toys, being that she is our “only” dog.

However, if you would like to receive Aeowyn’s Dog Treat Recipe e-booklet, please send me an email for your free copy.

Banana Carrot Cheese Treats

Ingredients:

2 ripe bananas

4 grated carrots, 2 cups

1 cup of grated cheddar cheese

2 cups rice flour (or any flour)

1 cup rolled oats, uncooked

1 cup flax seed meal

½ cup wheat germ

1 cup flax seeds

1 ½ cup chicken broth

1.5 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

½ cup coconut oil

1 tablespoon cinnamon

*Parchment paper for rolling out the dough, pizza cutter, ruler for cutting straight lines & a dog to snoopervise.

Roll out dough ball between parchment paper, 1/8” consistent thickness in rectangular shape to fit baking sheet. Discard top parchment paper, use for next baking tray. Transfer rectangular shaped dough with the bottom parchment paper to baking sheet. Use pizza cuter to cut dough in parallel strips to create a checkerboard of 1” squares. Use a ruler to help cut straight lines.

These treats are soft & are very tasty. Recipe makes enough treats to fill a little more than 3 quart storage container with some to share with dog friends & keep in tins around the house. You can keep the dog treat crisps up to 1 week at room temperature in an airtight container or in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 4 weeks.

Aeowyn sits waiting to taste test her dog treats. She “snoopervises” the whole process from start to finish. She tests every batch after the treats are removed from the oven and cooled.

Posing with her treats is the least favorite part of the process, as she is anticipating eating all of them at once. She can get rather bored with the photo shoots unless she is rewarded for her patience.

So far she has never rejected a recipe. Her favorite treat is the one she just ate!

Calendar of Events

New Mexico has long been a center for arts, culture, classes and gourmet food. With such a strong art market, there are hundreds galleries to explore and experience, along with a wide selection of thriving restaurants. Our Museums feature culture, history and traditions of the region and the world. Santa Fe, Taos County and beyond have something scheduled every day & night of the week, all year long.

Entertainment

If there’s one thing you can count on when spending time in New Mexico, it’s the treasured experiences and wide selection of entertainment: music venues, great sporting events, theatrical and musical entertainment as well as year-round festivals.
From festivals, music concerts and dance performances to theatrical offerings by local and touring groups, the performing artists work hard to keep its locals and visitors entertained by both New Mexico performers and acclaimed stars from around the world.

About Kachina Mountain Realty

I am passionate about real estate development. I consider myself a “Dream Maker”, and strive to help my clients manifest their dreams and lifestyle goals.

I believe that, “…the dreams which accompany all human actions should be nurtured by the places in which people live and work”.

To promote this possibility, I encourages my clients to develop and share their dreams and lifestyle goals as part of the process of selling, buying or investing in property.

I have over thirty years of business experience as an executive producer, web architect, social media marketer, business developer, architecture assistant, real estate marketing developer and real estate consultant.

I am a licensed real estate qualifying broker for Kachina Mountain Realty & an accredited ACRE® real estate consultant. I have worked in the Santa Fe & Taos real estate market for years. I specialize in working with buyers and sellers who are looking for a solid real estate investment.